'Empower Hour': Westchester Office For Women Hosts Special On Helping Friends Facing Domestic Violence

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A very special episode in an ongoing series of webinars might just save lives.

Westchester County's Office for Women held the second webinar in its Empower Hour series, focusing on how to help a friend who may be experiencing domestic violence or is in a dangerous relationship. The program was held in White Plains and featured Office for Women Acting Director Catherine Borgia and Patti Reyes D'Agostino, chief of development and community relations for Hope's Door.

Subscribe

The discussion covered how to support someone close to you who is a victim of domestic violence, including different approaches depending on whether that person has disclosed abuse. The webinar also addressed how the closeness of the supporter's relationship with the victim can shape that approach. Organizers said the conversation included warning signs that someone may be in trouble and ended with a two-part question-and-answer session for attendees.

"Thank you so much to Patti D'Agostino for both sharing her experiences and for providing such useful and complete information about how to support a friend who might be a victim of domestic abuse," Borgia said. "This conversation was both compelling and informative. We want everyone to know how to help someone you know, and the resources to access help should you need it. Remember, you are not alone. We are here to assist with compassion and confidentiality."

The county said Empower Hour is presented by the Office for Women as part of its commitment to supporting, educating, and uplifting women across Westchester County. A recording of the webinar is available on YouTube.

"There is only one person who has something to gain from silence and that’s the abuser," D'Agostino said. "Sharing stories and conversations, like the one today, make us aware that domestic violence knows no economic, social or racial boundaries. Its very existence changes not only those directly affected by it like children and other family members, but every member of the community."

For resources and to reach the Office for Women, the county said people can call the White Plains office on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (914) 995-5972, in Spanish at (914) 995-6581, and after hours and weekends at (914) 995-2099.

Additional information is available .